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Caption

Illustration of a model for the basic structure of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), the causative agent of AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). The spherical viral membrane (yellow) is studded with glycoprotein (green) and HLA antigens (red). Inside, a protein core shell (grey) surrounds the central, conical ribonucleic protein core. The core contains the vital genetic information for the replication of the virus in form of RNA (ribonucleic acid) and the enzyme reverse transcriptase (both shown in red) that transcribes the viral RNA into DNA for the purpose of subverting the host cell's genetic material. Dark & light blue background.